County Commissioners Appoint New Health Director, Review Regional Housing Strategy, Discuss Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, and Discuss Goals for Cape Cod Commission
February 12, 2025 (BARNSTABLE, MA)– The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners convened today to take action on key regional issues, including the appointment of James “Jay” Gardiner as the new Director of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. The Board also reviewed updates on the Cape Cod Regional Housing Strategy, discussed the Vision Zero road safety initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities, and discussed goals for the Cape Cod Commission to address housing, transportation, sustainability, and economic development in 2025.
Appointment of Jay Gardiner as Director of Health and Environment
The County Commissioners authorized the appointment of James “Jay” Gardiner to the full-time position of Director of Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. This decision follows a thorough selection process and comes as a recommendation from County Administrator Michael Dutton. Mr. Gardiner, who has an extensive background in public health, previously served as the Director of Public Health at the Town of Yarmouth and Commissioner of Health and Human Services in Worcester, MA. He has also worked as Executive Director for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Mr. Gardiner expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, emphasizing the importance of expanding public health initiatives and strengthening collaboration across Barnstable County. “Public health is not a passive endeavor. We need engagement with the community to educate and ensure access to essential services,” he stated. Mr. Gardiner is set to begin his new role in early March.
Regional Housing Strategy Recommendations
Kristy Senatori, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Commission, Deputy Director Erin Perry, and Chief Planner Chloe Schaefer presented an update on the CCC’s Regional Housing Strategy project. The strategy, developed with support from Barnstable County ARPA funds, aims to address housing affordability, supply shortages, and sustainability while preserving Cape Cod’s natural and cultural resources.
Ms. Senatori highlighted key findings, including the fact that 80% of Cape Cod’s housing consists of single-family homes and that a household must earn approximately $210,000 annually to afford a median-priced home in the region. The presentation also underscored zoning challenges, noting that only 2% of the region allows multifamily housing by right, and that demand for housing is expected to outpace supply by 11,000 to 22,000 units by 2035.
Recommendations presented in the report include increasing housing diversity beyond single-family homes, streamlining permitting processes, creating a regional housing services office, and developing a community land trust and regional land bank. Additionally, the Cape Cod Commission is working collaboratively to explore housing potential on Joint Base Cape Cod and to provide financial incentives for preserving year-round housing. Further information on the Regional Housing Strategy can be found at https://www.capecodcommission.org/our-work/regional-housing-strategy.
Commissioners Receive Presentation on Vision Zero Initiative to Eliminate Traffic Fatalities on Cape Cod
Deputy Director Steve Tupper of the Cape Cod Commission presented preliminary findings from the Vision Zero Action Plan, a federally funded initiative that aims to create safer roadways through infrastructure improvements, education, and community engagement.
Mr. Tupper highlighted concerning statistics, noting that Cape Cod experiences an average of 13 crashes per day, with a pedestrian or cyclist struck every three days. Over a six-year period, the region recorded 81 fatal crashes and 664 serious injuries. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists, are disproportionately affected, prompting a targeted focus on safer infrastructure and policy changes.
The Vision Zero Action Plan, currently in development, includes collaboration with municipal officials, emergency responders, transit specialists, and community stakeholders. A public input tool has already gathered over 800 comments, helping to identify high-risk locations and areas for improvement. The plan also aligns with the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization’s goal of a 50% reduction in fatalities and serious injuries by 2035, with a long-term target of zero fatalities by 2050.
The Commissioners acknowledged the importance of this initiative in enhancing transportation safety and improving quality of life for all road users. Further updates and implementation strategies will be developed as the plan progresses and will be available on the Cape Cod Commissions’ website.
2025 Goals for the Cape Cod Commission Executive Director
The County Commissioners reviewed and discussed strategic priorities for Cape Cod Commission Executive Director Kristy Senatori for 2025, emphasizing continued progress in regional planning, infrastructure development, and sustainability initiatives. While specific goals were presented, the Commissioners voted to table the issue for a future meeting. The discussion included topics such as regional housing initiatives, transportation safety, sustainable economic development, coastal resiliency, and the role of technology in data-driven planning.
Vice Chair Mark Forest emphasized the significance of these goals, stating, “The work of the Cape Cod Commission is critical to addressing the major challenges our region faces, from housing to transportation to climate resiliency. We must ensure that our policies and planning efforts align with the needs of our communities and the sustainability of Cape Cod.”
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Ordinance Votes
The Commissioners voted today on several proposed ordinances related to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, including appropriations for the Cape Cod Commission Operating Budget, funding the Commission’s fiscal year operations; the Operating Budget for the Dredge Enterprise Fund, allocating funding for the County’s dredging operations; and Barnstable County’s Operating Budget, which includes funding for the operations of the County Assembly, Executive branch, County agencies, boards, commissions, and departments, as well as reserve funds and debt service.
Additionally, the Board voted on an ordinance to make appropriations for one-time and new initiatives introduced in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
County Administrator Michael Dutton provided additional context on key budget priorities, highlighting efforts to balance the budget without drawing on reserve funds. Adjustments were made in areas such as IT services and cybersecurity investments, and Mr. Dutton emphasized the importance of securing grant funding to support key initiatives while maintaining financial stability.
Sheila Lyons Appointed to Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission
Today Commissioner Sheila Lyons was appointed to serve on the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission, reinforcing Barnstable County’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the region’s natural resources. The commission plays a vital role in advising on policies and projects that impact the Seashore’s protected lands and surrounding communities. Chair Lyons expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “The Cape Cod National Seashore is an invaluable part of our region’s identity and environmental health. I look forward to working collaboratively to ensure its preservation for future generations.”
About Barnstable County Regional Government of Cape Cod
Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
Media Contact: Sonja Sheasley. Communications Coordinator | (508) 375-6896 |sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov
